A Strange Old World, Day 122

At the Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Bianca (to Ariadne): Hari! Come sit with me & let me buy you a drink.

Ariadne (to Bianca): … Really? I'd love to but I have work to do. I don't want to upset Mister Rodchenko or Mister Yong.

Bianca (to Ariadne): Pish posh, my dear! You are having a drink with me. I've just received some wondrous news & I need someone to celebrate with and, I've elected you…Simply because you're here & well, you're beautiful. I like to have something nice to look at when I drink. ;-)

Ariadne (to Bianca): … Well, I guess when you put it that way how can I refuse.

Bianca (to Ariadne): Heh. That's my girl. Here you are. One glass of bubbly.

At the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:

Zoe (to Poppy): Mom! Would you please stop fussing at me? I missed you. I'm happy to see you. Honest. You're kinda smothering me.

Poppy (to Zoe): … But, honey, I missed you. I mean look at you. You've grown a couple inches since I last saw you, I swear. You desperately need new clothes. You look like a ragamuffin. Is it so wrong that I want to pamper my only daughter?

Zoe (to Poppy): … If you were any other person I'd say no but well, you're you. So, clearly something is bugging you. What's wrong, Mom?

Poppy (to Zoe): Nothing at all, honey.

Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. If you say so… Come get some dinner. I made Shepherd's pie. I'm sure the boys will be along shortly.

Poppy (to Zoe): Lead the way, honey.

A moment later, in the hallway:

Vincent (to Felix): Felix! I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to speak to you in private. before you headed into the mess.

Felix (to Vincent): Of course, Captain Potter the First. What can I do for you, sir?

Vincent (to Felix): I wish there was an easier way to say this, but I met your mother on our last run.

Felix (to Vincent): You... You met my mother? ...How did that happy accident happen to occur?

Vincent (to Felix): It wasn't an accident. I wanted to meet her and ask her what her interest was in you and my daughter. She gave me this letter to give to you. She said she understood if you didn't want to see her, but that your sisters were safe and that they, and your father, were all together in a much better situation in New Orleans. She also said they'd like to see you if you were interested.

Felix (to Vincent): ...I thought that might be the case, sir... Thank you for giving this too me, Captain. I'm afraid a letter is a bit wasted on me.

Vincent (to Felix): Oh? Heh. Somehow I doubt that, kiddo. Come on. Let's get some dinner in you before Zoe starts to fret.

Felix (to Vincent): ... If you don't mind the query, sir. My mother... What did you think of her?

Vincent (to Felix): Honestly? I think it's better if I didn't answer that question. Whatever my opinion on the matter, she's still your mom. Come on. I'm sure we've been missed by now.

Felix (to Vincent): Aye, sir.

A few minutes later, in the mess hall:

Poppy (to Vincent, Felix, Victor & Zoe): And, there's the last of the boys. I hope you're hungry, sweeties. Zoe made enough to feed an army.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. And judging by the pile of food on Victor's plate, it's a good thing. (to Zoe) Thank you for dinner, sweetie.

Zoe (to Vincent): You're welcome, Dad. (to Victor) I made a bowl for Yuki. If you want to take it up to her, Victor.

Victor (to Zoe): Thanks! I'm going to take it up to her now, if that's all right with everyone.

Poppy (to Victor): Honey, you really shouldn't appear so eager in front of your parents. It sends the wrong message... How is she doing by the way?

Victor (to Poppy): Not as well as she's pretending to be. I think being on the ship so long was harder than she wanted to admit. And since when have you and Dad been concerned with "sending the right message?" :-P

Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): Since it started involving our children, I should think.

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Heh. What he said. :-P

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Mum! I'm worried about her.

Vincent (to Victor): Oh, all right! Go. You've been bouncing in your chair like a rabbit on speed.

Poppy (to Victor): Go on. Git, honey! We'll talk later. (to Vincent) I swear he's going to burst a blood vessel before he's 30 acting like that, lover… (to Zoe) Stop giggling, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens, I know. I certainly don't know where he learned it. (to Zoe) Hush.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): … Sorry. (to Felix) Stop smirking at me.

Felix (to Zoe): Would I do something as fresh as smirk at you while at supper?

Zoe (to Felix): Not if you want to live. :-P

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Considering how fond I am of keeping my hide whole and free of floggings, I'm going to assume you were mistaken.

Zoe (to Felix): That must have been the case. My apologies.

Poppy (to Vincent): It's clearly your fault, lover. It's the only thing that makes sense. ;-P

Vincent (to Poppy): Moi? Never! Have you EVER known anyone in any reality to call me something like "uptight," lover? I've been accused of MANY MANY salacious things over the years, but never that.

Felix (to Zoe): ...Yes. I'm sorry, pretty girl. I'm... I find myself distracted by the show your parents are putting on.

Zoe (to Felix): … Yes, they do that.

Poppy (to Vincent): HAHAHA! Only you would be offended by being referred to as uptight, lover. Which is exactly why I love you.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I know exactly why you love me, gorgeous, and my personality is only a tiny portion of the piece. Why do you think I've tried so hard to stay in such good shape all these years. How else could I keep your attention?

Poppy (to Vincent): Is it for me? And here I was thinking it might have been for those Birdie boys. Because, I swear they get more handsome every time we see them… Oh, I think we may have caused Zoe to blush. (to Zoe) Honey, are you alright?

Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): I'm FINE.

Vincent (to Poppy): It's that Persian blood, lover. It makes for pretty, pretty people. (to Zoe) Oh, hun. You can't be embarrassed by all this. I haven't even made goo goo eyes at your mother yet. (to Poppy) Have I, lover?

Poppy (to Vincent): No, you haven't, lover. And, it's been practically days since you did. ;-)

Zoe (to Poppy, Felix & Vincent): I am seriously going to vomit.

Felix (to Zoe): ... What are goo goo eyes?

Zoe (to Felix): I'll explain it to you later… Like, when my parents aren't staring at me.

Vincent (to Zoe & Felix): Would you like us to give you a demonstration?

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Dear God, no. Don't you dare!

Felix (to Vincent & Poppy): Uh. That's more than quite alright, Captain. Ma'am. I really should excuse myself anyway. (to Zoe) Thank you for the delicious meal, Zoe.

Zoe (to Felix): … Oh. You're welcome… You're really going? Without me?

Felix (to Zoe): Sorry, pretty girl. I... I've got something I need to think on for a little while. Leave me the dishes if you like.

Zoe (to Felix): No, I'll take care of them… I'll see you later... (to Vincent & Poppy) What did you two say to him? Come on, 'fess up.

Vincent (to Zoe): … Nothing, sweetie. I gave him a letter from his mother.

Poppy (to Vincent): God damn it, Dad! She's bloody awful! Why would you do that?

Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe... Calm down. I never said she wasn't awful, but it's up to Felix to decide how he feels about his family.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): He's told me how he feels about his family… She's a dickn--

Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe Clair Meriwether! You shut your mouth & calm down right this instant.

Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): … Fine. I'll shut up.

Vincent (to Zoe): Honey, we know you're only upset because you care for Felix, and don't want the people who have historically treated him so poorly to continue to be able to hurt him, but this isn't your decision, or mine, to make. Not being wanted by your family is a terrible feeling. Heh. Even I tried to contact my parents after your mom & I had been married a few years. And I had sworn off speaking to them ever again only a few years prior.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): I know… It's just his mom sold his siblings into various terrible situations. I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her.

Vincent (to Zoe & Poppy): I don't believe we ever said we trusted her, did we lover?

Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): Oh no, honey, we don't trust her either. But, she's his family & he needs to decide what to do next.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): … Oh.

Vincent (to Zoe & Poppy): And by now, he's had enough time to read that letter, and I'm sure could use a friendly face...

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): I guess, I'll just pop out and see how he's doing. Thanks, Mom & Dad!

Poppy (to Zoe): Heh. Go on.

Vincent (to Poppy): Whoo! God save us all from teenage mood swings.

A short time later:

Zoe (to Felix): Felix? … Why's it so dark? Are you in here?

Felix (to Zoe): Zoe! You... You surprised me.

Zoe (to Felix): … Are you alright? You look upset. Do I have to break someone's kneecaps?

Felix (to Zoe): Bloody hell, girl! Turn that blasted lamp down. I'm... Don't you worry your fuzzy head about me. I'm fine.

Zoe (to Felix): You're a terrible liar, Felix… You look like you've been crying. Have you been crying? I swear I'll smack somebody hard.

Felix (to Zoe): ...Oh hell! You should really leave a man to his lies sometimes, you know that? It's nothing. Just old scars. I'm guessing Mamma and Poppa Bear already told you about their little family visit.

Zoe (to Felix): Yes, they did... Please, don't be mad at me. I was just worried about you.

Felix (to Zoe): ... I'm not mad, pretty girl. Just embarrassed. No one wants to be caught crying like a babe over long-gone hurts.

Zoe (to Felix): Come here, sexy. I am most definitely not here to embarrass you. I thought you might want some company. Was I wrong?

Felix (to Zoe): No. I'd like your company if you're offering it.

Zoe (to Felix): Yes indeedy.

Felix (to Zoe): Well then quit hovering and get over here Heh... I know you're no doubt bursting with questions, but can we leave them be? Just for tonight? I... I don't want to think about it any more.

Zoe (to Felix): Yes, of course... How about some cuddles & then sleep? Sound good?

Felix (to Zoe): Better than good. ...Heh heh. Just when I thought my dear ol' mum couldn't hurt me further. Come here, pretty girl. Give me something nicer to focus on.

A Strange Old World, Day 121

At the Train Station; Nice, French Republic:

Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Well, Gee, it was nice to meet you & I hope you have safe trip back to school... It's been swell.

Sang Gi (to Ariadne): Yeah, whatever... Was Ji Yong really too busy to see me off himself?

Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Yeah. I'm sorry. Mister Rodchenko needed him for something important. I'm sure Ji Yong feels terrible about it.

Sang Gi (to Ariadne): If you say so… See ya later.

Ariadne: Gah, after all that... I am going home, drinking an entire bottle of red wine in a hot bath & re-evaluating my stance on children.

A few minutes later:

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I missed the train.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yeah, it just left... Gee was pretty upset.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Merde! J'ai essayé de m'excuser, mais Monsieur... I beg your pardon. I'll send along my apologies for missing him... I should get back to work. Mr. Rodchenko wasn't through. I had hoped I could excuse myself quickly enough to say goodbye.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Wait… Come over here for a second… This is either going to work like a charm or be very stupid.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): What are you...

A moment later, on the train:

Sang Gi (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): Merde! What the!?! How did you do that?

Ariadne (to Sang Gi & Ji Yong): Shhhh… Ow… Woo… That was really dumb… But, heh, I totally did it. Who's the best skipper & has two thumbs? This guy! … I think Ji Yong wanted to say something to you.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): It is... It is an unusual talent of Hari's. I wanted to say goodbye before you left. I tried to make it to the station before the train departed, but I couldn't get away from the casino quickly enough.

Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): Oh… I'm glad you did.

Ariadne (to Sang Gi & Ji Yong): Will you guys please hug & say your goodbyes already?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oh. Yes. Excuse us. (to Sang Gi) Tu vas me manquer. Appréciez votre semestre et rester hors des ennuis.

Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): Merci, grand frère, je vais... Et, si vous êtes intelligent, je me marie la dame.

Ji Yong (to Sang Gi): Heh. Pourquoi aurait-elle épouser un homme comme moi? Je t'aime, Gee. Visite pendant les vacances, s'il vous plaît.

Ariadne: … I really need to learn French.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I apologize. It's easier for me to express myself in French. It was my first language.

Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): Ne pas être un idiot, Ji Yong... Je t'aime aussi. Je voudrais bien revenir à visiter. (to Ariadne) I'm sorry I was such an ass to you. I'm not used to having to share my brother's attention… But, I guess I should learn.

Ariadne (to Sang Gi): You are now getting such a hug… Come here, you little pain in the butt.

Ji Yong (to Sang Gi): Gee!

Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): What!?! My hand slipped.

Ariadne (to Sang Gi & Ji Yong): … And, on that note, I should really get you back before Mister Rodchenko gets concerned.

Ji Yong (to Sang Gi): Vous êtes un menteur et une honte! Apprenez à vous comporter, ou je vais quitter vous en Suisse... (to Ariadne) Yes. We should.

Sang Gi (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): Oui, le grand frère. Vous devriez vraiment apprendre à apprécier la vie un peu plus. À bientôt!

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Take my hand & hold on tight… Closer… Closer… Closer… Just right. (to Sang Gi) Do svidaniya, sweetie!

A moment later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): OW! Mudak! That damn inhibitor is really on… Woo… Feeling a little dizzy… I need to sit.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Here. Sit down. You're very pale. Would you like me to get you some juice? 

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Yes, that would be great. Thank you.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I noticed you had that sent to the rooms of your friends when they arrived here via... The same way you did. I thought perhaps it's something that helps you... Hari?

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Yes?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oh. You're awake. I thought for a moment you might faint. Will you allow me to help you to your room? You should lie down.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh… I can make my way, if you need to go see to Mister Rodchenko.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I do, but we've arrived earlier than I was anticipating returning. I can take you to your room. I'll let him know you're ill... Thank you. For giving me the opportunity to see off my brother.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You're welcome. You both seemed upset about not getting the chance… I'll be fine in a little while. No need to worry Dyadya.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): As you say. I'll ask Nicolette to send up some juice for you. Please get some rest.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Ji Yong? … Do you really have to run off? I feel like I haven't really seen much of you except when we're working.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I apologize. It seems one of our guests has had some suggestions for improving the security of the casino. Something big is about to happen, and our employer wants to make sure we're prepared for it.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … It was Mrs. Esterly, huh?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. She has a very good mind for strategy, honestly. I... I would rather not leave. Especially not when you look ill, but I'm sorry. I'm not really used to managing work and personal relationships. I can stay with you a little while longer, and check on you when I'm finished. Is that... Would that be acceptable?

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I wouldn't mind that, at all. I'm trying not to be clingy or demanding of your time. I know you have important work to do. I guess I just miss seeing you… Honestly, I was half expecting this to be the brush-off & that you just didn't know how to go about it.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): You thought I didn't want to see you any more?

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes… Though, not that I'd blame you. You've had a lot to deal with, lately & I'm a distraction… A gorgeous distraction but, one that makes you look over at me when we're on the floor more than it probably should. Dyadya says that we work well together & we'll figure out how to make it work. But, I wasn't quite sure you really wanted that especially with your brother here & all the new security details you've been putting into place. Not to mention, that you have turned down my dinner invites for days.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I'm not sure how to respond to that. I'm sorry my behavior has made you feel insecure about our relationship... I may be dismal with people, but I can promise that if I wanted to end our relationship, I would tell you.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Good. Because, I-- I uh, really like you… Boy, that was lame. I'm sorry, my brain is apparently broken from skipping.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): It's quite alright. I enjoy your company as well. Please get some rest. I'll see you shortly.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I'll be here.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Very good.

A short time later, in the lobby:

Bianca (to Ji Yong): There you are, Mister Yong! Grigori was beginning to worry that something had become of you.

Ji Yong (to Bianca): I apologize. There was a complication with seeing my brother off. Excuse me. I should see him immediately then.

Bianca (to Ji Yong): Oh, is that all? Here I was hoping that you were having fun with your young lady.

Ji Yong (to Bianca): It seems my current schedule doesn't allow for much of that at the moment, Ms. Aslan.

Bianca (to Ji Yong): Really? That's terrible to hear. I should say something to Grigori about that. No one should miss out on the opportunity for a lovely time with a beautiful lady. Heh. If they did, I would be quite out of a job.

Ji Yong (to Bianca): I appreciate the sentiment, but I will speak to Mr. Rodchenko if I feel the need.

Bianca (to Ji Yong): Your loss, hun… I'm off to the salon. Au revoir.

Ji Yong (to Bianca): Au revoir.

Onboard the Maltese Falcon:

Vincent (to Maisie, via radio): Come in, Mama Samedi's. This is the Maltese Falcon. I'm dropping off a delivery on behalf of Admiral Birdie.

Maisie (to Vincent): Well, hello there, Maltese Falcon. The docking area is free and clear for ya. I'll send me man, Gus out to help unload.

Vincent (to Maisie): I'd be obliged, madam. Hee hee. I'm afraid I'm 50% of the crew, and the rest is occupied by baby.

Maisie (to Vincent): … I'll send another man to help, then. I know those kegs can be heavy.

An hour or so later, at Mama Samedi's; New Orleans, French Colonies:

Vincent (to Maisie): Whew! Thank you for the extra assistance. I daresay when I walked out of the ship, your gentlemen were waiting for the real captain to make an appearance. Heh. Here is your invoice. Birdie said he would catch up with you next time. And don't worry, I didn't deliver any of that godawful rum he keeps trying to push on everyone. I'm Captain Potter.

Maisie (to Vincent): Heh. Thank you, Captain Potter. We still have three cases from his last delivery. Is there a reason that he sent you this time around? Usually one of his boys makes the deliveries to us.

Vincent (to Maisie): Good heavens. I hope you're not keeping them in the same storage room together. That is a fire hazard. I set a wing of the O'Malley compound ablaze because of that very thing. And yes, there is a reason an old-timer like me is making the run for the Admiral. You've been asking around about a ship called the Wicked Sister. I'm curious about the reason why.

Maisie (to Vincent): It's personal… I was told that my boy might be on board.

Vincent (to Maisie): Ah. I can certainly understand that. I know her Captain. Would you like me to pass a message along?

Maisie (to Vincent): Yes… Could you please pass on this letter to him? I don't expect him to write back but I'm hoping it finds him well. I have a lot to make amends for but I've been trying. We've got a much better life here in New Orleans & his sisters are all safe now… And, his father is here with me. That would be my man Gus.

Vincent (to Maisie): I'll pass along the info, madame. Though, he might not want to hear it. He's a sweet young man, but he hasn't had the easiest of times on his own. I'm afraid he's more than a bit wary of just about everything.

Maisie (to Vincent): Truth be told, none of us have. I know he holds a lot of resentment towards me. The choices I had to make were not easy. If he doesn't want to see me, I wouldn't blame him. I just want him to know that his family is here & we want to see him.

Vincent (to Maisie): I'll pass it along, hun. If it makes you feel any better, he's with a much younger, but more caring crew these days. He'd been gang-pressed into service with a privateer previously. ...One more question before I outstay my welcome. You told Felix to keep a young lady named Zoe far away from New Orleans. Why?

Maisie (to Vincent): A very nasty piece of work named Delphine Delacroix had been asking after Felix & her name came up. She apparently found out what ship he was on & wanted him to come here. I believed that we were going to be bait to get this girl, Zoe. I've had a run-in or three with Delphine before. I figured anyone that she wants, should stay far away.

Vincent (to Maisie): Duly noted. Thank you for the info, Ms. Baldwin. Good luck with Birdie's rum!

Maisie (to Vincent): Thank you.

A few minutes later, onboard the Maltese Falcon:

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, that went about as well as we could have expected. And you didn't even have to shoot anyone, sweetie!

Poppy (to Vincent): … Am I supposed to be happy about that, honey? I was really looking forward to shooting someone. It's been weeks. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. Hun, you're married to me. I'm sure you'll get to shoot someone soon. So what did you think?

Poppy (to Vincent): … I don't like her, honey. She's laying the 'making amends' schtick on just a little too thick for my taste.

Vincent (to Poppy): ...Mmm. I can't say that I care for her either. Hee hee. Of course, given our histories, we might be a tad biased. I suppose we should deliver this letter to Felix, shouldn't we?

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, I suppose. Besides, we should check on the darling children & see what trouble they've gotten themselves into, honey. And, I know Lucas would like to see his big brother & sister. (to Lucas) Isn't that right, little man?

Vincent (to Poppy): Yes. When they've been too quiet for too long, I grow suspicious as well.

Poppy (to Vincent): So, on to New London, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Should we take the Falcon, or would you rather skip us there? Hiiri's been kicking up more than a bit of dust in New London.

Poppy (to Vincent): I think skipping might be the best way, honey. Should we head back to Birdie's & dock the Falcon or leave it here?

Vincent (to Poppy): Let's dock it, hun. Makes people think we're in the area, soaking up sun and sand.

Poppy (to Vincent): … You are such a smartie, lover. As much as I've enjoyed our time alone with only the baby. I have to admit, I miss all of our little reprobates.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I do too, and dealing with Ms. Baldwin makes me want to give all of them a very tight hug. Felix included. Ha ha ha! Oh my... He would HATE that.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. He would. You should definitely do it, lover.

Vincent (to Poppy): Do you ever suspect a good chunk of the reason we enjoy spending time with our children is because we like to torment them?

Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, lover. Why else would people have them?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I have no idea.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee.

At the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:

Zoe (to Yukiko): Yuki? Are you okay?

Yukiko (to Zoe): … Give me a minute. My claustrophobia is acting up a little bit… I just need to breathe.

A few minutes later:

Victor (to Yukiko & Zoe): Is everything alright?

Zoe (to Victor): She's freaking a little… I'll get out of your way.

Yukiko (to Zoe): Thank you, Zoe. (to Victor) It's okay… I'll be alright.

Victor (to Yukiko): I know. Do you want to get out of here for a little bit?

Yukiko (to Victor): I think I would like that, watashi no ai… We could just go up to the little nest in the house if you don't want to go too far.

Victor (to Yukiko): We can go wherever will make you feel better.

Yukiko (to Victor): Let's just go up to the attic for now. Will you hold me hand? I'm feeling a little unsteady.

Victor (to Yukiko): Of course. Come here for a moment.

Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you. The hug is nice.

Victor (to Yukiko): You're welcome. Come on. If you're feeling better, let's head up to the attic. 

Yukiko (to Victor): Alright, lead the way.

Victor (to Yukiko): I'm sorry. I didn't think about your claustrophobia when I suggested coming here. This is my fault.

Yukiko (to Victor): No, it's not your fault, Victor. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to it. it's a good place to hide out. I think the time on the airship plus coming here just pushed me to the edge. Honestly, I'll be alright.

Victor (to Yukiko): If you say so. If it gets to be too much, you'll let me know, won't you? I can't stand it when you're not feeling well.

Yukiko (to Victor): I've been in worse situations but I promise I'll let you know. I'm feeling better already. A day or two in the open air & I should be peachy with a side of keen, watashi no ai.

Victor (to Yukiko): ... It's funny how you don't sound all that convincing when you say that.

Yukiko (to Victor): That's because you have a very suspicious nature.

Victor (to Yukiko): Who me? Do I look like the suspicious type?

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Strangely no but I have it on good authority that it's an inherited trait. And, I know your family. :-P

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh heh. It could very well be. That's what happens when you teach your son to be a con before grade school. ;-P

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Do you think they will do the same with Lucas?

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I don't think so since they don't seem to be doing it with Zoe. I suppose I was the experiment child. :-P

Yukiko (to Victor): No, they just want Zoe to know how to fight. Which she seems to be picking up pretty easily.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. That seems to be another family trait.

Yukiko (to Victor): … You're amazing, watashi no ai.

Victor (to Yukiko): I'd have to be to get your attention, wouldn't I? Why am I amazing?

Yukiko (to Victor): Simply because you're you, Victor.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh heh. Well, I don't mind that as an answer. I'm glad you're feeling better.

Yukiko (to Victor): It's because I like sitting out here with you.

Victor (to Yukiko): I love sitting up here with you. It's almost enough to make me forget all the craziness right now. I... Oh. Shit. I think my parents just showed up.

Yukiko (to Victor): … Oh. Go on down. I'll be fine up here.

Victor (to Yukiko): ... Or I could just stay up here with you. I know which option I like better.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Do you really want them coming up here to disturb us?

Victor (to Yukiko): Not particularly. Alright. I'll go be a good son. Find me if you need me. I won't mind the interruption. I promise. :-P

Yukiko (to Victor): I'll make sure it looks unintentional. ;-P

Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Thank you. I knew I I loved you for a reason.

Yukiko (to Victor): I love you too. Good luck.